1915 definition

We have been clearing an elderly aunts house. She was 91 when she died and was a nurse until she retired at 60. She was a midwife and used to travel round Hayes and Harlington in Middlesex on her bike just like in "Call the Midwife." She actually delivered my husband in 1953 and was very proud to tell everyone when she was hospitalised in the last few months of her life. We have found amongst many other really interesting things a little book entitled "The Nurse's Pronouncing Dictionary". This was the ninth edition published in 1915. What is interesting is the definition of diabetes:-

"A disease marked by an excessive flow of saccharine urine. The treatment almost entirely consists of attention to diet: sweets, pudding, pastry, potatoes and bread have to be forsworn: meat, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and green vegetables are allowed. The nurse will have to measure and test urine; the quantity may be as much as 5 or 6 quarts in 24 hours, the specific gravity may be as high as 1030 to 1045: the urine in diabetes turns Fehlings solution yellowish-red."

I don't really know what the last sentence means but was interested to see the recommended diet. What has happened?

So, 100 years ago they got it right ! Since then, my opinion is that big business, money and corruption swayed this advice to include processed, carb laden stodge !

A great post Janlyn thank you.

The link below will take you to a free of charge read on line digitalized book, on the best diet for diabetics before big pharma loaded the dice, and diet and exercise kept people healthy and in control of their diabetes. I urge you to take a look. I have left the book open at pages 12 and 13, foods of great value and foods to avoid. Many will not be surprised to see, nothing has changed in almost a hundred years, in the best way to control diabetes. Diet and exercise and nil/minimal medication.

Check this link out, a fantastic read, Diabetic Cookery Recipes And Menus by Rebecca W Oppenheimer printed 1917 and well worth your time. http://archive.org/stream/diabeticcookeryr00oppeiala#page/12/mode/2up

janlyn wrote:We have been clearing an elderly aunts house.  She was 91 when she died and was a nurse until she retired at 60.  She was a midwife and used to travel round Hayes and Harlington in Middlesex on her bike just like in "Call the Midwife."  She actually delivered my husband in 1953 and was very proud to tell everyone when she was hospitalised in the last few months of her life. We have found amongst many other really interesting things a little book entitled "The Nurse's Pronouncing Dictionary".  This was the ninth edition published in 1915.  What is interesting is the definition of diabetes:-

"A disease marked by an excessive flow of saccharine urine.  The treatment almost entirely consists of attention to diet: sweets, pudding, pastry, potatoes and bread have to be forsworn: meat, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and green vegetables are allowed.  The nurse will have to measure and test urine; the quantity may be as much as 5 or 6 quarts in 24 hours, the specific gravity may be as high as 1030 to 1045: the urine in diabetes turns Fehlings solution yellowish-red."

I don't really know what the last sentence means but was interested to see the recommended diet.  What has happened?

What a great post Janlyn ..... where did it go wrong? BUT many of us are trying and winning,in making the good word that is "meat, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and green vegetables are allowed." come through loud and clear.

Once again many thanks for such a great and insightful post

All the best Jan